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Al-Hilal delivered one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Manchester City on Monday night.

The Saudi Pro League team, despite falling behind early against Pep Guardiola's powerhouse, emerged as unexpected 4-3 winners after extra time in Orlando.

This could also have a ripple effect on clubs like Liverpool and undoubtedly benefit the Saudi team when it comes to bolstering Simeone Inzaghi's squad.

The Saudi team is thought to have earned roughly $34.5 million from its Club World Cup participation so far, having reached the quarter-finals at Man City's expense.

Having missed out on the Saudi Pro League title last season, the club has long been credited with interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.

Yet perhaps the performance side will benefit the Saudi outfit more than the financial riches on offer.

Such a win also follows Al-Hilal's draw with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup group stages.

While the quality of the Saudi Pro League has often been dismissed in European soccer, Al-Hilal has now held its own against two of the continent's strongest sides.

Yet, Al-Hilal's performance may suggest that the quality of football in the region isn't as poor as initially thought in Europe, potentially paving the way for more lucrative transfers.

While Nunez and Diaz might prefer to remain in Europe, they could still be enticed by the Saudi Pro League, especially as Al-Hilal's performance in the Club World Cup helps enhance its global reputation

The attractive wages in the Saudi Pro League have already attracted several high-profile players over the past two years, including Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Gini Wijnaldum, but its biggest draw yet could be on the pitch.

Al-Hilal's performance in the Club World Cup could help shift the previously dismissive narrative about the league
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